The Dean’s Circle scholarship program attracts scholars of exceptional leadership potential, who will support the academic ethos at Trinity, and go on to lives of wise and faithful leadership in the church and world. Students chosen for this opportunity must agree to participate in key leadership roles within the student body and will meet regularly for a one credit tutorial course with the Academic Dean each term.

Students gain the following:

• stimulating seminar style learning, sometimes at local eateries,
  with engaging books in hand
• strong academic mentoring
• a chance to demonstrate leadership on campus
• a group of friends who are interested in challenging conversations
• guidance and recommendations for graduate school, careers, and
  life after Trinity

The award: The Deans Circle Scholarship covers 60% of tuition. This is one of the most generous financial opportunities Trinity provides. Students receiving this scholarship cannot stack it with other unfunded institutional aid, but are encouraged to add this scholarship to external foundation and federal aid.

The student-college covenant: The Academic Dean will work closely with each cohort of students to mentor them in academic success, critical thinking, and leadership formation. The key focal point of the common conversation will be a weekly seminar style course on a special topic chosen each semester by the students and the Dean. Students will serve in one of several student leadership positions. When nearing graduation, the dean and other members of the college commit to helping students find employment, graduate school acceptance, and leadership opportunities, especially by serving as references for students and guiding them through application processes. Students will commit to augmenting the academic ethos at Trinity, especially through encouraging peers to pursue quality scholarship and live lives of faithful and wise service in the world.

The application checklist:

[ ] Have a mentor nominate you via a letter of reference that speaks directly to your academic preparedness, leadership potential, and personal integrity.

[ ] Gain acceptance to Trinity through the normal application process.

[ ] Compose a letter addressing why you believe you are qualified for and committed to the terms of the scholarship program. This, and a sample academic writing assignment, must be addressed to: Dr. Jeff Mallinson, Trinity Lutheran College, 2802 Wetmore Ave., Everett, WA 98201.

Finalists will participate in an interview with the Academic Dean and one or more members of the Dean’s Circle, whether in person, via phone, or through online conferencing.

Cohort details and timeline: No more than 5 new students will be admitted to the Dean’s Circle each academic year. Students who are accepted to the program will be notified by May 1. Runners up who do not receive this award will comprise a ranked waiting-list, and may be invited to join the Dean’s Circle in the event that another scholar declines acceptance to Trinity, becomes disqualified for failure to live up to the terms of the covenant, or transfers from the college.